“This is the community’s chance to chart its future”
For the first installment of the City Plan blog, we get to hear farewell reflections from Jacob Lindsey, exiting Director of the City’s Department of Planning, Preservation, and Sustainability, who recently accepted a similar position with the City of Boulder, CO.
Few people are more excited about the development of the Charleston City Plan than Jacob, and the prospect of leaving in the midst of this project has been difficult for him. In that spirit, AJ Davis of Community Solutions Consulting and a member of the City Plan Engagement Team, sat down to speak to Jacob about his vision for the City and advice for all of us involved in shaping the City Plan.
Listen to what Jacob had to say:
“Charleston is a really special place, it’s one of the most unique city’s in the nation. The people who live here and the people who do this work, all of you, it’s clear that everybody cares about this city. The engagement of citizens with this process is just critical because this place is worth protecting, it’s worth saving, and the cultures that are in it are worth saving. So, keep doing this great work and I have confidence that this plan will be the best one we’ve ever done.”
Left to right: intern Jacob in 2003, concept plan drawn by Jacob, Jacob and his interior design for Flagship 2, Jacob working on the Dupont charrette
Jacob began his planning career as an intern with the City of Charleston in 2003, and has lead our department since 2015. Anyone who knows Jacob understands his passion for planning and urban design and dedication to improving quality of life in our City. All of us in the Planning Division are so excited for this next chapter for Jacob and his family. Til’ next time, Jacob! Don’t be a stranger.
During the search for a new Director of Planning, Preservation & Sustainability, Mandi Herring will serve as the Interim Director. Mandi first began with the department in 2000 in the Zoning Division and has been Operations Manager since 2018.
REMINDER: please take the City Plan community survey before November 16!
The survey takes about ten minutes to complete and responses will directly influence the City Plan’s research and recommendations.